Lemon Rosemary Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo Recipe

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Get ready to enjoy a delicious dinner with these Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Meatballs paired with creamy orzo! This recipe combines zesty lemon and fragrant rosemary, creating a refreshing twist on traditional meatballs. Perfect for weeknight meals or family gatherings, these hearty meatballs are simple to make and sure to impress. Save this pin for a tasty dish everyone will love!

Oh boy, do I have a delightful recipe to share with you today! Picture this: succulent chicken meatballs infused with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and rosemary, served over a creamy, dreamy bed of orzo. Now that’s a meal worth celebrating!

This dish holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma wafting through the house was so tantalizing that my kiddos couldn’t wait to dig in! They hovered around the stove like little hawks, and when I finally set it on the table, I was met with utter silence—an unspoken agreement that the food was just that good. Now, every time I whip up these Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Meatballs, it’s like summoning a feast straight from the family cookbook of fond memories.

What’s in Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Meatballs and Creamy Orzo?

Let’s dive into the star players of this recipe! Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ground Chicken: This is the base of our meatballs. You’ll want a pound of good quality ground chicken for that juicy, savory bite.

Breadcrumbs: Just half a cup is all it takes! They help bind the meatballs while giving them that delightful texture. I usually go for whole wheat to add a little extra heartiness.

Grated Parmesan Cheese: A must-have in both the meatballs and the orzo. It brings a lovely salty richness. I use the good stuff—always freshly grated if I can!

Large Egg: This helps to hold everything together, ensuring we get tender meatballs that won’t fall apart on us!

Fresh Rosemary: Two tablespoons of this aromatic herb give the meatballs a fresh twist. You can’t go wrong with rosemary; it’s like a sprig of happiness, don’t you think?

Lemon Zest: The zest of one lemon adds brightness and keeps things lively. I always say the zest is the best!

Garlic: Who doesn’t love garlic? Two cloves, minced, provide that aromatic foundation we all know and adore!

Salt and Black Pepper: Just a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper elevate the flavor. Adjust to your taste; I like a little kick!

Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but trust me, they add a subtle heat that complements the citrus beautifully!

Orzo Pasta: This lovely pasta has a unique shape that soaks up that creamy sauce perfectly. You’ll need one cup for this dish.

Chicken Broth: A couple of cups of this golden liquid serves as a flavorful base for our orzo.

Heavy Cream: Ah, the secret to a rich, luscious sauce! Just one cup will do the trick.

Fresh Lemon Juice: One tablespoon enhances our creamy friend’s flavor. It’s like the finishing touch to a beautiful painting!

Fresh Parsley or Additional Rosemary: These garnishes don’t just look pretty; they brighten up the dish and add a pop of flavor!

Is Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Meatballs and Creamy Orzo Good for You?

You bet it is! This dish packs some health benefits while still being utterly delicious.

Ground Chicken: It’s leaner compared to beef or pork, making these meatballs a lighter option when satisfying your dinner crowd.

Rosemary: Not only does it taste amazing, but this fresh herb is also known for its antioxidant properties—who knew flavor could also be healthy?

Lemon: The zest and juice not only brighten the dish, but they also boost your vitamin C intake, which is helpful for your immune system. Zest is always worth the extra effort!

Orzo: It’s a carbohydrate, but by using whole grain pasta, you can increase the fiber content. Just make sure to enjoy it in moderation!

Of course, the heavy cream means this dish is rich—enjoying it occasionally is the key to balance. We all deserve a little indulgence now and then, right?

Here’s What You’ll Need:

– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the orzo)
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or additional rosemary for garnish

This recipe serves about 4 eager eaters—perfect for a family meal or a cozy gathering with friends.

How to Make Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Meatballs and Creamy Orzo?

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that happy dance going as the oven heats up—it’s almost time to feast!
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped rosemary, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined. You don’t want to overwork it—tender meatballs are the goal!
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. I like to imagine they’re little flavor bombs!
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Give them a little pampering before the oven!
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. The smell? Absolutely heavenly!
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the creamy orzo. In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy and heated through. This is when you want to watch out for taste-testers sneaking in!
8. Serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy orzo. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional rosemary for a pop of color and flavor—because we eat with our eyes first!
9. Enjoy your delicious Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Meatballs with creamy orzo! And don’t be surprised if you want seconds.

Little Extras to Enhance Your Experience!

– You can swap out the ground chicken for turkey if that’s what you have on hand—it works like a charm!
– If you want to mix things up, add some spinach or kale to the creamy orzo. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens—shh, don’t tell the kids!
– These meatballs can be frozen uncooked. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready for more deliciousness!

I hope you give this recipe a try! It’s such a comforting dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!

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